Religion

On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church (Hymn CCXCIII)

by James Montgomery 1771–1854

From Sacred Poems and Hymns (1854)

Religion

Heaven as a tent Thine hand display'd,
Thy word the earth on nothing hung;
Thy power upholds what Thou hast made;
Thy praise, Lord God, by all be sung.

Though small amidst the glorious space,
Where suns and stars Thy might proclaim,
To Thee we consecrate this place,
Here we record Thy Holy Name.

A temple built with hands, to Thee
For children's children here shall rise;
O may their ceaseless worship be,
Pure offerings, free-will sacrifice.

Now to the prayer of faith attend,
Thou God who answerest by fire;
An earnest of the Spirit send,
Enlarge, fulfil, surpass desire.

MLA

Montgomery, James. “On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church (Hymn CCXCIII).” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/montgomery_j/292/.

Chicago

Montgomery, James. “On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church (Hymn CCXCIII).” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/montgomery_j/292/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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